16 Ways Every Woman Can Show Herself Some Love

Don’t neglect yourself!

04/04/2017 12:41 PM IST
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Updated
09/04/2017 11:35 AM IST

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In our society, and in most cultures around the world, women have been the primary caregivers. They toil day and night to make sure that everyone around them is looked after. Women, unfortunately, are also twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and stress-related diseases. Their biological makeup and the monotonous, thankless nature of their work being the main contributing factors.

I too am among those women who put family before themselves, and get stressed easily about everything. From my own experience, I wish to share a few self-care tips that have kept me together when everything around me seemed to be falling apart.

It's only when we love ourselves truly are we able to love others wholly. You're doing everyone a favour by looking after yourself.

You have to understand—it's important to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of those around you. A moping, unhappy and unhealthy woman cannot bring cheer to others. You need to recharge your batteries. It's not being selfish. And don't let anyone have you believe so. It's only when we love ourselves truly are we able to love others wholly. You're doing everyone a favour by looking after yourself.

So here are a few of my self-care tips. Though aimed mainly at women, these apply to anyone who is the primary caregiver in a domestic setting.

1. Try to sleep at least 6-7 hours a night

Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. There is nothing more important than a good night's sleep. As a chronic insomniac, I value my sleep more than anything. Lack of sleep predisposes you to all sorts of anxiety disorders and metabolic issues, in addition to physical, emotional and mental fatigue. Catch those 40 winks. They ensure the start of a healthy being.

2. Eat well

Don't skip your meals. Ever. Crash diets never did anyone any good. Learn to fix some quick, nutritious meals so that you don't end up eating junk while you are busy feeding everyone else proper food. The multivitamin pills won't make up for them.

3. Get up. Dress up. And show up

NO MATTER WHAT! There are times in our lives when we are truly grieving. The times when we would rather stay locked inside our room than see anyone in the world. Those are the times when we must go out. It peps you up instantly. The ritual of taking a nice warm bath, dressing up to look good, going out. Just 15 minutes of sunshine will make you feel happier. Also, it will distract you from the negative thoughts surrounding you.

4. Stop underestimating yourself

I have, time and again, said this—there is no such thing as a weak woman. It is only when you face it do you realise how much strength you have. Every time you overcome what you thought was impossible, you will give your self-image a boost. So don't ever give up thinking you can't do it or aren't good enough.

5. Make time for your friends

True friends are one of life's biggest treasures. They remind you of your inner beauty and strength when you think you have nothing left. They bring laughter and cheer in life. And they will even slap you hard and bring you back to reality when you start getting lost. So don't lose touch.

6. Stay quiet when you are angry

Wait. Let it go. It will save you a lot of regret. Go back and clear it up when you are cool. Most things seem better the moment you cool down.

7. Switch off your phone, TV and laptop—move your butt

The modern smartphone, while a very useful device, uses too much of our mental bandwidth. Switch it off. Talk to people face to face. Go out for a walk. Listen to the birds chirping. The less your screen time, the happier you will be. Get moving. Nothing works better than exercise as a stress buster.

8. Go to the salon. Often

I don't know any woman who wouldn't love to feel beautiful and be complimented. Please, please go to the salon and get all the beauty treatments you want. We have but only one life.

9. Lower the bar

The quest for perfection is a sure shot way to lead a miserable life. Take it easy on yourself and those around you. Life will be so much better.

10. Do the things you love

Every day, keep 15 minutes aside for yourself. Read a book, dance to Shakira, bake that cake, go shopping. Make sure you take out time to do things that YOU love, not what others want you to.

11. Shut out the people who say negative stuff about you

You don't have to take the bullshit. Better still, don't listen. Treat yourself with compassion. Respect yourself. And don't let anyone take it away from you.

12. Don't ignore your own illnesses

Get a massage for that aching back, visit the dentist, get your cold treated. Rest if needed.

13. Invest in some good lingerie

Ok, so good lingerie can be really really expensive. But it's worth the money. It makes you feel so good about yourself. And by good, I also mean comfortable. Leave the racy stuff for the bedroom. Buy some well-fitting, seamless brassieres for the workplace. What you wear on the outside may bring you respect, but what you wear underneath is a reflection of your self-respect.

14. Seek help whenever you begin to feel lost

It may be a spiritual guru, a friend or a doctor. Make sure you get help if you feel like it .

15. Have faith

In God, in yourself and in humanity. Pray pray pray. Faith works wonders.

16. Get cuddly

There are not enough hugs and cuddles in the world. So just give one and get one in return. Who can feel sad when you have so much cuteness around?